author: DAVID QUER
Co-founder of Trialworld. Instructor at Trialworld School. More than 20 years as a trial expert in specialized motor media.
The equipment of the trial rider is a key point in performance and safety when we are on the bike.
In this second report we analyze how to choose the best trial boots for you, taking into account the type of use, expectations and budget. What we can tell you is that, probably, trial boots are the most relevant point of everything that makes up the trial rider’s clothing. Read on and we’ll explain all the reasons why.
WHEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY TRIAL BOOTS?
To consider looking for a new trial boot, you first have to give yourself one of these cases (usually):
Old or deteriorated trial boots
In this case, we are considering a change with a certain degree of urgency, since the current ones are not fulfilling their function.
If the problem lies only in the soles, it is possible to repair and continue with those same boots.
In the event that the deterioration is structural, with holes or breakage of material, it is necessary to consider changing the boots.
And finally, in case of significant age, as they lose waterproof and protective properties. We are talking about boots that have softened and do not support the ankle as they should, or simply do not offer the original performance due to the passage of time.
If you need to replace soles, here are the links:
- Replacement of Gaerne trial boots
- Replacement of Alpinestars Non Stop trial boots (old model)
- Replacement of Alpinestars Tech T trial boots
- Hebo Tech Comp & Technical boot soles replacement
- Replacement soles of Forma trial boots
Boots for initiation to trial
We are aware that at the time of buying a trial bike we have made a significant outlay; Usually even more than expected, to which we must add the possible mechanical update and maintenance that we always like to do when the bike arrives in our hands.
However, it is a mistake not to include trial boots within the budget. First, for safety. Second, for functionality.
ENDURO AND MOTOCROSS BOOTS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR TRIALS
Record this: enduro, trail or motocross boots are not good for trials.
Why? Basically, they don’t have the flexibility we need to manoeuvre with the trial bike and the precision of the controls. In trials, as it is not usual to carry speed, we can sacrifice hardness for the sake of greater mobility. Where you’ll notice it the most is in the power dosing capability over the rear brake.
There are also changes to the soles. If you compare motocross soles, the pattern is completely different. The trial bikes have much more grip and are made of a more flexible compound.
You must bear in mind that part of the essence of trial is to walk the area that you are later going to overcome with the bike. Hence the need for a good grip in one’s own area, and the flexibility to have agility of movements.
What we tell you here we have been living for more than a decade at Trialworld School, where the people who rent us trial bikes appreciate an abysmal difference between using their boots from another specialty versus the ones we lend them from trial.
Opportunity, Offer, or Pleasure
Here we start from the premise that we have boots that do their job and are in a condition to continue to be used. We may well consider a change of model (increase in range) based on recommendations, for chromatic reasons, the appearance of a good offer or due to lack of satisfaction with the current brand or model.
How do I know my trial boot size?
The general recommendation for choosing the size of a trial boot is to start with the size you use in sports shoes.
It is often said that it is always better to choose a size up. It’s not really necessary, unless in your case it’s usual to wear half sizes. That is, if you have a 44.5 it is better to choose a 45.
You should also keep in mind that there are American sizing brands.
The European equivalence of Alpinestars sizing is different, for example:
- Size 5 equals a 38
- Size 6 equals a 39
- Size 7 equals 40.5
- Size 8 equals a 42
- Size 9 equals a 43
- Size 10 equals a 44.5
- Size 11 equals a 45.5
- Size 12 equals a 47
HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT TRIAL BOOTS
During these years in the Trialworld Store and, obviously as users, we have learned well how to recommend the perfect trial boots for each user. Yes, for every wearer, as there is no perfect boot for everyone. And below we explain in an easy sequence all the reasons.
What should I ask myself before buying trial boots?
- What kind of terrain and climate dominates in the area where I train? It is interesting to know if there are more areas of water or mud in that location and it is better to opt for a boot with a waterproof membrane. Also if the temperatures are very extreme and you value the Goretex protection.
- Am I going to do more areas or excursions? Within the range of trial boots, there are brands such as Hebo, whose product has more protection against impacts in certain areas. Conversely, others, such as the Gaerne, are more sporty, lighter and more flexible.
- Leather or microfiber. Both Hebo and Gaerne offer leather and microfiber finishes. The latter has less maintenance, as it is cleaned with a simple cloth. Leather ones have better watertight properties and if they are maintained correctly, the durability is greater.
If you are able to answer the above questions with crystal clarity, the decision is much easier. And we haven’t talked about price yet.
CHEAP TRIAL BOOTS AND DEALS
Once we have an idea of the type of boot we need, it’s time to address brands and models to finalize our decision.
Below we are going to talk about all the brands and models of trial boots. Contrary to what happens with helmets or clothing, here there is not so much change of collection and therefore the prices are more linear.
Despite this, you can find cheap trial boots with prices starting at €150 and from there up to €350 for the most expensive ones. On these prices you can find offers on trial boots of certain brands and models.
Let’s take a closer look at the previous profiles.
MICROFIBER TRIAL BOOTS
- Lighter than leather
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
- More color gamut
- Sportier approach
- More affordable base price
- Replaceable soles
LEATHER TRIAL BOOTS
- Increased durability
- Material quality
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Slightly higher weight at the same model
- Better Stability
- Replaceable soles
CHILDREN'S TRIAL BOOTS
Once we have an idea of the type of boot we need, it’s time to address brands and models to finalize our decision.
Below we are going to talk about all the brands and models of trial boots. Contrary to what happens with helmets or clothing, here there is not so much change of collection and therefore the prices are more linear.
Despite this, you can find cheap trial boots for children with prices starting at €150 and from there up to €350 for the most expensive ones. On these prices you can find offers on trial boots of certain brands and models.
Let’s take a closer look at the previous profiles.
ANALYSIS ALPINESTARS TECH T TRIAL BOOTS
The Alpinestars Tech T trial boots are one of the most popular. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of professional pilots use this model of boots in competition. The reputation of the brand is indisputable and Alpinestars has extensive experience in trials, in whose trajectory we remember the Non Stop model.
The range of Alpinestars trial boots is wide in terms of chromatic variety, but the models themselves have no differences between them.
Features and price Alpinestars Trial Boots
- Ankle protection discs in dual-density TPU
- Contoured shin guard injected with high-modulus TPU
- PU gaiter helps seal out excessive water and dirt ingress
- Closure system with three memory buckles that incorporate a quick-release closure system
- Polymer midsole with reinforcing steel plate
- Repackable high-grip rubber outsole
- Weight: 1,528 grams per boot
- Recommended price 332€
- Sizes: from 38 to 47
- Colors: Black, Fluorine, Black & Red, Multicolor, Brown (Leather)
REVIEW ALPINESTARS TECH-T BOOTS
"Alpinestars is always a safe bet. It is a boot that builds a lot of loyalty to those who have worn it. The build quality is very high, although it is also the heaviest in its range. The instep is higher than its competitors, but it's not a problem, just a particularity. Good grip of the soles and high durability of the components. Its price is above average, but its quality justifies it."
HEBO TECHNICAL TRIAL BOOTS REVIEW
Hebo came to the world of offroad more than 25 years ago and his spearhead has always been boots. We’ve probably all had, sooner or later, a pair of leather, blue or red Technicals.
In the current range, Hebo has focused on the Hebo Technical 2.0 , abandoning the BOA closure project, but rescuing interesting ideas from that project, such as the Velcro upper closure or the structure of the soles.
The new Hebo Technical boots are available in Micro (microfiber) or Leather (leather) models. The structure is similar, so it’s basically a matter of finishing materials, which caters more to taste and maintenance than anything else. The Leather will always have a better old age than the Micro. However, Hebo has worked well on the protection section and the finishes of those areas most exposed to friction.
For example, the toe and heel are harder than usual, while in the flex areas the material changes, introducing flexible and airtight components.
Good details in the protection of the closures or the ventilated shin guard. Also in the sole, which maintains as a legacy of the Comp the reinforcements in the supports of the footpeg and the rear brake.
The unit weight of Hebo Technical Micro 2.0 boots is 1,270 grams. It is available in four different colors: fluorine, lime, black, and black with white.
The unit weight of Hebo Technical Leather boots is 1,364 grams. In this model we have two finishes: black leather and brown leather
Features and price HEBO trial boots
- Inner water resistant membrane, protector and adjustment closure on tibia, air intakes, aluminum closure and heel reinforcement.
- Padded flex zone and its internal TPU protector offers greater comfort and resistance.
- Asymmetrical dual-density outsole
- Weight 1,270 grams (Micro)
- Weight 1.364 grams (Leather)
- Recommended price Hebo Technical Micro: 217€
- Recommended price Hebo Technical Leather: 261€
REVIEW HEBO TECHNICAL TRIAL BOOTS
"Hebo has done a great job on the new Technical range. In fact, it is the boot with the most careful and elaborate details on the market; from the reinforcements of closures, to the soles or the front protection. Dynamically they are somewhat stiffer than their rivals, but that doesn't make you any less tactile. In short, good quality and high protection."
GAERNE TRIAL BOOTS REVIEW
If there’s one thing that defines Gaerne trial boots, it’s tradition. Like Alpinestars, the owner of a Gaerne does not want to hear about another brand, not least because they have been with us for more than three decades with excellent results.
The Gaerne generally stands out for its flexibility and comfort. There is no rival when it comes to feel, although this lower hardness also means less protection against blows.
There are three levels of range:
Gaerne Balance Pro Tech, the most basic but very well finished and with more than outstanding quality to satisfy the majority of users; The model Gaerne Balance Oiled, with waterproof treatment and a higher quality oily skin; and finally, the Gaerne Balance GoreTex, designed for the most extreme rainy and cold weather.
The weight of the Gaerne trial boots is 1,226 grams.
The recommended price of Gaerne Trial boots starts at €211.
Within the Gaerne range we also have the Balance Classic, with a more racing character and also with a waterproof hermetic system. They are available in red or yellow.
Features and price GAERNE trial boots
- Trial boot with DUAL STAGE PIVOT system; Patented by Gaerne is a system of double articulation during flexion as well as flexion on the axis of rotation of the ankle
- Closure system with three memory buckles that incorporate a quick-release closure system
- Repackable high-grip rubber outsole
- Weight: 1,226 grams per boot
- Recommended price 211€ to 347€
- Sizes: from 38 to 47
- Colors: black and brown leather; Yellow and red microfiber
REVIEW GAERNE TRIAL BOOTS
"Gaerne is a manufacturer that specialises in off-road footwear and it shows. They haven't really evolved much in recent years, but they haven't needed to either. It is a simple boot, but tremendously effective and comfortable. The sole is unrivalled in terms of grip and you feel a lot on the bike. To look for a con, the protection is perhaps not as high, since the general materials are less hard. Without a doubt, it was a good idea to choose Gaerne."
MOTS ZONE2 TRIAL BOOTS REVIEW
Mots is one of the brands that works with the highest quality of its trial equipment products. In the field of boots, the first generation of the Mots Zona did not meet the quality standards expected by the enthusiast. This first generation of boots had a fairly simple setup and, all told, the price was very competitive.
In short, a basic range of boots. In 2020, Mots pulled out all the stops to launch the new generation of Mots Zona2 boots, which completely broke with the premises of its predecessor, positioning itself as a market benchmark.
The new Mots Zona2 boots are the lightest trial boots on the market, weighing just 1,041 grams. Made in Italy in Mycro, a material that is highly resistant to abrasion and tearing. It also has specific protection for the shin.
The overall quality of this boot is outstanding, also highlighting the good configuration of the instep, equipped with extra reinforcement in the areas of most wear. The closures are well thought out, with quality and a perfect fit. Undoubtedly, one of the best trial boots on the market, although with a radically different price to the first generation, specifically €356
Features and price MOTS Zone2 trial boots
- Made of Mycro, a material resistant to abrasions, traction, tearing and seams.
- Breathability and good water resistance.
- Removable front.
- Anatomical upper.
- Slide closure for better hold.
- Interior and exterior protection.
- Gel insole.
- Sole with a special design to ensure abrasion resistance and adhesion.
- Recommended price 356€
- Sizes: from 38 to 47
- Colours: anthracite, combined with fluoride or red
MOTS ZONE2 TRIAL BOOTS REVIEW
"What is most surprising about the Mots Zona2 boots is the lightness and build quality of the boot. Aesthetically, you can see that the instep is slightly lower than that of other trial boots, something that helps you not to easily trip over the gear lever. The overall texture is that of a rather soft boot, very comfortable. We like the solution of the shin guard that is also adjustable and, in addition, a separate piece of the boot itself, which favors the fit on the leg to be much more precise. The sole is also well resolved and bears a reasonable resemblance to the Hebo, also enjoying important reinforcements. In short, these are high-priced boots, but for quality and performance, they are worth it."
REVIEW OF KENNY RACING TRIAL BOOTS
Kenny Racing is one of the most recognized brands in the field of offroad, especially in enduro and raids.
In Trial it does not enjoy so much popularity, but the sponsorship of the official Sherco team and the great satisfaction of those who have tested its equipment, invites to have this brand as a very interesting option for trial riders. In this case we are talking about the Kenny Trial Air boots, a basic range with the most competitive price on the market, 169€.
The shaft of the Kenny Trial Air boots is made of leather and features a reinforced leather panel on the inner side to protect from exhaust. It also has an inner lining for added comfort and protection against water. In terms of protection, it has thermoformed SAS reinforcements on the ankle and malleolus, as well as injected plastic protections.
More features of these Kenny Racing AIR boots: dual-density rubber sole, antibacterial inner sole, shin protection with ventilation and triple GH closure of adjustable plastic, complemented by a velcro upper.
Features & Price KENNY RACING AIR Trial Boots
- Boot shaft made of leather
- Leather panel on exhaust side to protect from heat
- SAS thermoformed ankle and malleolus protections
- Injected plastic protections
- Dual-density rubber outsole for specific trial use
- Antibacterial insole
- Serrated bead for easy use of gear shifting
- Faceplate with air intake for better ventilation
- Closure by means of 3 adjustable GH plastic rings and Velcro at the top
- Sizes: from 38 to 47
- Colors: Black
- Kenny Racing Trial AIR Price: 169€
